Just a collection of thoughts from this past week. With no training camp to report on and there being no worthwhile updates on negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA, some thoughts to share.
- CBCSports.ca answered 5 questions regarding the lockout. One was if coaches get paid in the lockout. They reported that head coaches get paid and that those that depend on contact with players such as goalie, position, and skating coaches do not. So, this means Coyotes skating coach Mark Ciaccio probably has room for private lessons. He can be reached at MCHockeySkills.com.
- News leaked out of the negotiations seem to indicate players are willing to reduce their salaries but will not go below the 50% mark, and want to make their concession over time versus immediately. Another sticking point is the definition and counting of Hockey Related Revenue (HHR). I’ve written about HHR in previous articles and how it is determined. An easy way to think about it HHR is everything once you drive onto Sunset Blvd, any dollar spent is toward HHR. Parking, concessions, luxury boxes, team store.
- There was not a huge uproar over the cancellation of preseason games. As a former season ticket holder, it is difficult to justify paying full ticket price for split squad games. Or games when the top lines are scratched to get more playing time for juniors and entry level players. I liked to see them, just didn’t think full ticket price was warranted.
- If you are interested in growing the game, I would urge you to attend a USA Hockey coaching clinic and volunteer a couple of hours a week with a youth hockey team or Kids First camp. Good coaching will keep kids in hockey and grow the future generations of fans. There are some fantastic level 4 and 5 coaches here in the valley who will help you. All you have to do is sign up. The link is here Sonoran Youth Hockey League. You don’t have to be a former player. All you have to do is want to spend time being a good coach.